Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was taken off the field on a cart after an apparent injury in practice Monday. (AP photo)

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was carted off the practice field with an apparent sprained foot during Monday's practice, the Kansas City Star reports. Charles was taken to be treated in the locker room after getting hurt running in red zone drills, and coach Andy Reid said X-rays were negative.

Charles is coming off an exceptional 2012 season in which he gained 1,745 yards from scrimmage. He is the lifeblood of the Chiefs' new offense under Andy Reid, and his presence as a runner and receiver is critical to the success of quarterback Alex Smith.

Given the speedster's all-purpose excellence, he's also the mid first-round favorite of fantasy football owners in 2013. Charles rebounded better than ever in '12 after a torn ACL in his left knee cost him the last 14 games of the 2011 season.